There was a day when ordinary men and women did not own clocks or watches. From morning until evening farmers and merchants listened for church or city bells to ring out the time of day. Brilliant and innovative men toiled to invent timepieces that could accurately guide the day to day activities of ordinary people. Navigation of the oceans depended on the development of accurate timepieces. Progress was slow but steady. Ultimately, clocks were developed and then efforts were focused on the manufacture of pocket watches. Wrist watches followed and the amazing evolution of fine timepieces was on its way.
Today there are hundreds and hundreds of watch manufacturers. Switzerland became the center of fine timepieces, but other European countries also excelled.
At Ridglea Watch & Jewelry we love watches. We are one of the rare jewelry stores that actually has a full time horologist on staff. When our store opened in 2003 we were determined to provide a small number of watch brands that represented state of the art timekeeping, beauty, and innovation.

We are frequently asked questions about watches. Among the questions most asked are the following:

Frequently Asked Questions About Watches

What is the difference between quartz and mechanical watches?
A quartz watch uses high-tech battery powered electronics to measure time, date, moonphases, chronograph functions, etc. A mechanical watch utilizes the traditional time-proven technology of a hand-wound or automatically wound movement using the mainspring to store energy (instead of a battery, as in quartz watches).

Magnets and watches
All wrist watches and clocks can get interference from magnets and all speakers have magnets in them. For example if your quartz watch gets too close to your cell phone (even if is is turned off) or a radio, TV or computer speaker then the magnet in the speaker could interfere with the timing in the watch. When this happens we just have to put the watch on a demagitizer and press a button to remedy it.

What is a jewel?
A jewel is a synthetic ruby which has been placed in the movement to act as a bearing for the various moving parts. Rubies have been selected for their low friction. Jewels also act as shock absorbers and are specially shaped to contain lubricating oil.

What is a chronometer?
A chronometer is a watch that is tested for accuracy under adverse conditions such as extremes in temperatures. After demonstrating a variation of between -4 to +6 seconds per day, the watch will be issued an official rating certificate.

In Switzerland, official rating certificates are only issued by the observatories in Geneva and Neuchâtel, and by the Controle Official Suisse des Chronometers (COSC).

In addition to selling fine watches we repair most brands. Our in-house horologist does most repairs but we also have an agreement with one of the most experienced men in the nation to assist us with some work. Together our horologists have approximately 50 years experience. Whether you have a Rolex or another well known brand we can help when your watch needs servicing.